Step 3: Neutralize. Create a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Apply to the spill to absorb it. Wait 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe up the mixture with paper towel and immediately put the soiled paper towel in the plastic bag. Apply another layer of the baking soda paste.
Causes of Bare Spots in the Lawn. Bare spots in your lawn can be the result of heavy foot traffic (causing soil compaction), drought, disease, chemical burn and weed or insect infestation. Before beginning repairs, you need to determine the source of your problem.
Damage to turf by thatch inhabitants such as sod webworms, armyworms and cutworms is apparent when grass is cut off close to the ground. Damage by chinch bugs and spittlebugs, also thatch inhabitants, is similar to damage caused by soil inhabitants. Irregular spots of yellowish turf and dead spots may occur where chinch bug or spittlebug infestations go uncontrolled. Identifying your pest will save you time, money and your lawn.